I was delighted when I was offered work at the
Ocean Hotel, Saltdean, Brighton for the 64-65 winter season. I was told it
was unusual for a first-year Red' to be offered winter work, so I was
particularly chuffed.

Regency BarThat's me, Frankie Bull, sounding just like Frank Sinatra.
Well that's what it sounded like to me!!

Jimmy Noon on Piano - Peter Millington on drums.
Winter 1964

The Ocean was a tremendous learning curve for
me and I quickly settled in to the routine. Vince and Pam Dimmano were my
first managers there. I met the brilliant Martin Tiffen, who was perhaps
the best compere I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. (Mike Onions was
also damn good.)

Staff Party, Ocean Hotel , Saltdean
1965
They must have been short-staffed!!

We had a couple of temporary managers (Al Harris
might have been one. I can't remember) and then Peter and Jo Millington came
along. Peter was a very talented musician - great pianist, trombonist, and
no slouch on the drums either.

I had the pleasure, too, of working alongside
the great Jimmy Noon and his lovely wife, Lynda Noon. I was to catch up with
them both many years later (1988 and 2000) when they were both still at the
"Ocean."